Amarras Santander: Latin dancing and free classes in El Sardinero

Not every night out in Santander has to end at 6:00 in a room full of twenty-year-olds. Amarras, in El Sardinero, is the clearest proof: a Latin dance club with a retro room, free classes on Fridays and a crowd that is mostly over 30. Guides that look for places for an older crowd in Santander list it for exactly that reason.

Where it is

Amarras is at Calle Joaquín Costa 28, 39005, in El Sardinero. Local guides describe El Sardinero as calmer than the centre at night, with more movement in summer. From the centre you need a bus, a taxi or a car. If you want to call the venue directly, its published phone number is 667 438 572.

What music they play

Latin music made for dancing in pairs: salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba and cha-cha-chá, with the Latin hits that keep the floor full. The room has a retro style and the programme includes live performances and themed parties. It is open to all ages, but its regulars are mostly over 30.

Free classes on Fridays

On Fridays Amarras offers free Latin dance classes. The styles taught include salsa, bachata, merengue, cha-cha-chá, kizomba and sevillanas. Listings do not give a start time, so ask before you go if you want to arrive for the beginning. You do not need a partner or experience to join a beginners' class, and it is a good way to meet the regulars. Wear comfortable shoes with a smooth sole: trainers with a lot of grip make turns harder.

Hours, including Sunday afternoons

These hours come from one listing; another gives different times, so check before a specific visit. The Sunday session is unusual in Santander: dancing from 19:00 and home by midnight suits people who work on Monday or who come to the city for the day.

Amarras or Melao?

Both are Latin, but the plan is different. Amarras is in El Sardinero, has classes, a retro room and an older crowd: it is for dancing seriously. Melao is in the centre, by the Plaza Porticada, and mixes salsa and merengue with current Latin hits, football nights and social Fridays: it is for a Latin night out with a mixed group. If your group cannot decide, start with the class at Amarras on a Friday and see who wants more.

Groups and celebrations

Amarras is a dance club rather than a table venue. For a birthday, a group from a dance school or a celebration, message us with the date and how many you are and we will look at what is possible. Bring ID.

Getting there from the centre

El Sardinero is not within easy walking distance of the old town at night, so plan transport. A shared taxi is the simplest option for a group. If you are driving, remember you will be dancing until late. In summer the area has more movement, so you can combine Amarras with a walk or a drink by the beach before going in.

Quick answers

• Do I need a partner? Not to join a beginners' class.
• Is it only for over-30s? No, it is open to all ages; the regulars are mostly over 30.
• Does it open on Thursdays? Listings give Friday to Sunday.

How we can help

We are a guide, not the venue. With Amarras, we can help you plan the night: the class on Friday, the Saturday session or the Sunday afternoon, how to get there and what to combine it with. For groups and celebrations, send us a WhatsApp with the date and how many of you there are.